Debates on new EU Western Balkans strategy, Turkey’s attacks on Kurds and dissent, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, and the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, start 16.00.

The EU’s new Western Balkans strategy will be unveiled by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini at 16.00, followed by a debate.

Efforts to integrate the region into the EU are traditionally supported by the European Parliament, which nonetheless highlights shortcomings in the rule of law, fundamental rights or the fight against corruption there.

MEPs are set to condemn Turkey’s air and ground assault on the Kurdish-controlled enclave of Afrin in northern Syria in a debate with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and EU enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn.

They are also likely to denounce the hundreds of arrests made by the Turkish government to try to stifle criticism of its military operation, and also a wider crackdown on press freedom in Turkey, in a resolution to be voted at noon on Thursday.

Zimbabwe, Venezuela and UNRWA

Zimbabwe’s future, coming presidential elections and deep economic crisis, will be assessed in a debate at around 17.00.

MEPs will urge Venezuela’s government and opposition to find a solution to the worsening crisis in the country in a debate at around 20.00 on Tuesday, and vote a resolution on Thursday.

Commissioner Hahn will be quizzed in a debate at around 21.30 on the EU’s next steps after the US authorities’ statement that they will withhold budget support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine (UNRWA) this year. A resolution will be voted at noon on Thursday.